Cold and flu season : pharmaceutical drugs and remedies to avoid

Many people do not realize the 4th leading cause of death in United States is pharmaceutical drugs. What's even more interesting, death cases are caused by proper dosage instructed by doctors. Meaning, cause of death is not due to drugs overdose nor abuse. More then 100000 deaths yearly in USA, a result of pharmaceutical drugs either from prescription or over the counter. A shocking statistic, yet the ugly truth which people should be aware of. 

As I always tell my clients and friends, "We don't have deficiency in aspirin for headaches, nor deficiency in SSRI for depression". We all have been so hardwired for decades in our mind, whenever we are sick or have any health symptom, we tend to think of pharmaceutical drug as the first choice of treatment. Not everyone, but vast majority of us. 

It's the time of the year again. Cold and flu season. Is it really the cold and flu affecting us, or our immune system is suppressed and weak during this period? Anyone realize that flu is caused by viral and not bacteria? And guess what, when you consult a doctor, you are prescribed with antibiotics when you have cold and flu. How ridiculous is that? Antibiotics is totally useless for viral infections. It does nothing but wipe out your immune system and good bacteria, causing more problems then trying to fix anything. 

People will start to blame the weather when they fall sick, but most people don't realize it's their immune system which is weak and suppressed. Loaded with chemicals and toxins, sugars, and high stress levels, it is just a setup for illness and infections. During the colder months especially winter, sun exposure is usually minimal, and Vitamin D level drop low, and the risk of infections will increase during that period of time. What's even worst, most of us especially women apply sunblock whenever they are out under the sun. 

Now, in this post, I would like to share with you a list of drugs and remedies which may not be safe to use as treatment for cold and flu. But, the decision is yours in the end, I'm not telling you to stop taking medications from your doctor or physician. I've researched some of the 'over the counter' drugs, which are used for cold and flu treatment. I've also highlighted some of the harmful ingredients added to the medications and alternative natural remedies or foods/herbs which may be a better, safer choice of treatment.  

Especially for parents, think and decide wisely for your infant and children, their health depends on you and not your doctor! Just think of how your great grandparents survive and used foods and herbs as medicine when they fall sick, the invaluable wisdom from ancestors is what all of us should learn and embrace. As parents, you are empowered to do your own proper research, for the sake of your children safety, in terms of health. I wish you all happy holidays and stay healthy. 

What pharmaceutical drugs/remedies to avoid? 

1) DXM containing drugs

DXM is a cough supressor, found in many over the counter medications. Please take note of the side effects and common over the counter medications listed below.

Side effects:
dizziness,lightheadedness,drowsiness,nervousness,restlessness,nausea,vomiting,stomach pain, changes in vision, difficulty breathing, confusion, hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), seizures, coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time), liver failure, rapid heart rate.

References:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm244852.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682492.html

DXM HBr 12.5mg/5ml
Ammonium Carbonate, Butylparaben, Camphor, Canadian Fir Balsam Gum, Carrageenan Viscarin, Glycerin, Menthol, Pine Needle Oil, Propylparaben Sodium, Water Purified, Sodium Saccharin, Tincture of Capsicum

Other harmful chemicals: Butylparaben, Carrageenan, Propylparaben, Sodium Saccharin

DXM HBr 30mg/5ml
Citric acid, edetate disodium, ethylcellulose, FD&C Yellow No. 6, flavor, high-fructose corn syrup, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol 3350, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sucrose, tragacanth, vegetable oil, xanthan gum

Other harmful chemicals: FD&C Yellow No. 6, high-fructose corn syrup, methylparaben, propylene glycol,  propylparaben, vegetable oil

  

DXM HBr 7.5mg/5ml

Sorbitol Solution, Glycerol, Sugar Solution, Glucose Syrup, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Sodium Benzoate, Caramel, Saccharin Sodium, Imitation Peach Flavour, Levomenthol, Alcohol, Carbopol and Water

Other harmful chemicals: Sorbitol, Sodium Benzoate, Caramel, Saccharin Sodium, Imitation Peach Flavour

DXM HBr 30mg/tablet
Acetylated Monoglyceride, Citric Acid, Crospovidone, FD&C Red #40 Aluminium Lake, Magnesium Stearate, Maltodextrin, Mannitol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Modified Food Starch, Natural & Artificial Flavours Polysorbate 80, Silicondioxide, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Sucralose, Talc.Other harmful chemicals: FD&C Red #40, Magnesium Stearate, Maltodextrin, Natural & Artificial Flavours, Sucralose

DXM HBr 30mg/15ml
alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, citric acid, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, flavor, high fructose corn syrup, polyethylene oxide, polyoxyl 40 stearate, propylene glycol, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate
Other harmful chemicals: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, flavor, high fructose corn syrup, propylene glycol, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate

DXM HBr 15mg/5ml
anhydrous citric acid,liquid glucose.glycerol,quinoline yellow,saccharin sodium,sodium benzoate,sodium citrate,purified water,Banana Flavour 75420-33,Caramel HGP,Premium Liquid Sugar
Other harmful chemicals: saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, Banana Flavour 75420-33

2) Antibiotics

Some of you might have already known by now, these powerful drugs destroy almost the entire gut flora. All beneficial bacteria needed for healthy immune system to fight off cold and flu, is wiped out by these drugs. Your immune system consist of 70-80% of gut health, and dosage of these drugs simply kill off your important good bacteria. For those who regularly take antibiotics, you will lose the ability to fight off cold, flu and infections, and setting up yourself for chronic diseases long term. 

3) Artificial sweeteners and chemicals containing remedies

Most so called 'throat lozenges' products contains dangerous chemicals such as aspartame and asulfame-K and other artifical sweeteners and flavors. These products WILL NOT solve or cure your cold or cough/sorethroat symptoms.

Do your math and count the dangerous chemicals in this so called 'medicine'. From asulfame K to dyes and artificial flavors, DXM, propylene glycol and even sugars, I will let you figure it out. 

DXM HBr 7.5mg/5ml
Artificial Cherry Flavor, Artificial and Natural Bubble Gum Flavor, Carbomer 934P, FD&C Red No. 40, Glycerin, Maltitol Solution, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Purified Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Sucralose Liquid Concentrate.

Other harmful chemicals: Artificial Cherry Flavor, Artificial and Natural Bubble Gum Flavor, FD&C Red No. 40, Propylene Glycol, Propylparaben, Sorbitol, Sucralose

4) Tylenol/Acetominophen containing drugs

It is the most popular painkiller in USA. Acetominophen has been shown and linked to liver damage and failure, especially if overdose or ingestion on regular basis. Even when used as directed, acetaminophen can lead to liver toxicity or death. Many drugs can cause liver failure or damage, and acetaminophen prompts the most calls to poison control centers, more than 100,000 per year. Alcohol consumption and fasting (dieting) combined, increase risk of liver damage and failure with this drug. And guess what? It is found in most common medicine Panadol @ paracetamol which is largely used by most people for symptoms such as cold, fever or pain-killer. It can kill your child too! Parents please take note. 

Drugs which contains Acetominophen:

Actifed®

Alka-Seltzer Plus Liquid Gels®

Anacin®

Benadryl®

Cepacol®

Contac®

Coricidin®

Dayquil®

Dimetapp®

Dristan®

Excedrin®

Feverall®

Formula 44®

Goody’s® Powders

Liquiprin®

Midol®

Nyquil®

Panadol®

Robitussin®

Saint Joseph® Aspirin-Free

Singlet®

Sinutab®

Sudafed®

Theraflu®

Triaminic®

TYLENOL® Brand Products

Vanquish®

Vicks®

Zicam®

Butalbital

Endocet®

Fioricet®

Hycotab

Hydrocet®

Hydrocodone Bitartrate

Lortab®

Oxycodone

Percocet®

Phenaphen®

Sedapap®

Tapanol®

Tramadol

Tylenol® with Codeine

Tylox®

Ultracet®

Vicodin®

Zydone®

Reference: 

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm363041.htm

Natural remedies for cold and flu:

1) Exposure to sun (Vitamin D)

This is probably the most important remedy. Most people are deficient in Vitamin D level, especially the ones who spend the most time indoor, desk jockeys and office workers. This powerful hormone, is crucial to health and combating illnesses. High quality cod liver oil would be an ideal choice of supplement for speedy recovery. Meanwhile, go outdoor and get as much sun exposure as possible, and ensure minimal clothing and no sun block lotion. This should be daily routine, or at least as much sun exposure as possible before you even start to fall ill or sick. 

2) Garlic

A natural antibiotic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial, this food is medicine. Try mince couple cloves of garlic in water, drink it quickly when you suffer from cold or flu. 

3) Cinnamon

Contains anti-viral and natural antibiotic, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels and an awesome herb to combat cold and flu. Mix it with honey and drink it when feeling ill or sick. 

4) Hydrogen peroxide

During the early signs (first day) of falling sick or having cold, put a couple of drops into each ear. Wait for a minute or so until bubbles stop. Repeat this a few times a day for few days until symptoms or infections is gone. 

5) Ginger

Helps with fever, nausea and sinus symptoms caused by cold and flu. Ginger root also act as natural antihistamine and decongestant, beneficial for sorethroat and cough too. Boil it, drink it, or supplement it with raw ginger powder.

6) Vitamin C

Well, most people know about Vitamin C when it comes to fighting cold or flu. Need no introduction, good sources of foods include kiwi, pepper bells, papaya, cauliflower, guava, brocolli, pineapples, etc. Also, reduce your stress level as it will deplete your vitamin C levels very quickly. 

7) Removal of sugars, white flour, grains and dairy products

Reduce or eliminate as much of processed foods which contains sugars, white flour, commercial dairy products and also grains. These foods will can cause inflammation and suppress the immune system, thus slow recovery of cold and flu. 

8) Water and Sleep

You've heard it before again and again by your parents, family members and doctors. You know what to do. Drink sufficient clean filtered water for hydration, and sleep before 10.30pm. 

9) Apple Cider Vinegar

Most health experts and nutritionists consider ACV as superfood, I would agree with that too. Long list of benefits, a tablespoon of ACV mixed with half glass of warm water and a pinch of rock salt in the morning would enable speedy recovery. 

10) Coconut oil

One of the superstar amongst superfoods, an affordable investment in building strong immune system. This food has been beneficial in so many ways, from anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-viral to anti-bacteria , it is one of the most powerful immune building foods. Not to mention lauric acid which is vital against infections, and caprylic acid is one of the most powerful yeast fighting substance. 

11) Catnip

It calm the nervous system, sleep-inducer and help in treating cold and flu by producing perspiration. It has decongestant properties as well, and may cause one to sweat, which may bring down a fever. Catnip herb tea (boiled) would be ideal during recovery period. 

12) Echinacea

Echinacea is every effective in treating respiratory ailments like colds A pain reliever, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and also ability to stimulate the immune response. A herbal tea with boiled water would be ideal during recovery period. 

How to prevent 'crashing' in the afternoon?

Alarm clock rings, you hit the off button and drag your sleepy butt off the bed. You barely 'awake' and feel sleepy and tired. This has been going on for months, maybe years now. Is it becoming a trend? Is it normal to feel tired and sleepy when awake in morning? The first few mornings of exhaustion and feeling 'unrefreshed' might seem unsatisfying and abnormal. Then few months goes by, and couple of years passed, poor quality nights now seemed 'NORMAL' and your dependency on caffeine and sugars seem to prolong and becoming addictive, for you to stay awake and get that energy levels on par to cope with your mornings and afternoon tasks at work. 

I call it the 'vicious cycle'. Chronic stress from poor lifestyle and diet, late night or interrupted sleep cycles which cause endocrine disorders or hormonal imbalance. Most people in 21st century who have to survive a stressful job, week in week out, accompanied by eating 'garbage', primarily man-made foods instead of god-made foods. Sedentary lifestyle, constant secretion of cortisol stress hormone all day long by stressful office tasks and eating high carbs/sugar meals, is worsen by past midnight regular bedtime. A cycle which most people find it hard to break, and it has becoming bad to worst. 

In this post, I will discuss about what is happening to most of us during day time, especially after lunch. For some of you, it may sound very familiar. For those who have breads or cereals for breakfast, you might benefit from reading this post. I know, most of us still think that having cereals or commercial milk for breakfast is healthy and easy for meal preparation. Well, for starter, look at your belly size, it will often reflect a similar story. Cereals, breads or any foods which consists of wheat and grains, these foods are the worst breakfast meal one can ingest. People asked me, 'how about coffee?" "How about milk?". The thing is, if you consume nothing but just coffee, your cortisol and blood sugar will crank up, but your cells are not getting the nutrients needed during that 'adrenaline-induced' period. That is why some people feels hungry after just one or two hours of coffee, and they crave for sugars and refined carbs once the cells are screaming for nutrients or glucose. Bad move! 

How about just a glass of commercial milk in the morning? We have been told drinking milk high in calcium is good for bone health right? Well, that is far from the truth. In fact, that is a sleazy scam from the milk industry claiming that milk will strengthen and increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Apart from being a contributor of food sensitivity and causing the body inability to digest lactose (due to pasteurization and homogenization), it is also loaded with toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, synthetic hormones and antibiotics. Fedlot cows fed on grains, soy and corn, the milk derived from these sick poor animals, could just be another nail in the coffin for most of us.  

Now, the whole idea of avoiding you from 'crashing' during day time especially after lunch from between 2-4pm, is all about making sure your brain is functioning as it should, and blood sugar levels are as normal as long as possible throughout the day. In a nutshell, your brain is working properly, cravings is suppressed, no blood sugar roller coaster and para-sympathetic nervous system is not stimulated too much during day time.  

Bear in mind, the word 'crash' usually refers to hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) state. Most of the time, stimulation of para-sympathetic nervous triggered by large meal during lunch or even breakfast could make you sluggish and sleepy. Lost of focus, brain goes to 'idle' mode, low blood sugar and low energy levels. 

Apart from smokers, these folks primarily depend on nicotine as a stimulant to keep them going throughout the day. As for majority of smokers, they also crave for sugars, gluten and caffeine. Very seldom nicotine addicts don't rely on sugars, gluten or caffeine, but perhaps, there are minority of these folks who are only dependant on nicotine as stimulant to keep their energy level up during day time. 

Imagine, you grab your usual bread, muffin or cereals and that low fat milk. Loaded with sugars, this high glycemic breakfast meal will spike your blood sugar off the roof, causing a brief energy burst, but making you sluggish and crash one hour or longer after that. Then probably before 1pm lunch, your brain is telling you to hit the vending machine for some quick refined carbs @ junk food. As a result of high and low of blood glucose from the breakfast meal you eaten earlier, insulin screams for sugars, and there you go again, more round of sugar/carbs reload. Less then 2 hours, your blood sugars hit another high secretion of cortisol and insulin. Come lunch, what happen next? Most of us (in Asia), consume rice based foods, and western dieters go on that typical gluten and carbs loaded meal. From sandwich to pasta, you name it. Most people not only crash once throughout the day, it happened more frequent and some of us suffer from brain fog and cognitive performance. Large meal accompanied by high carbohydrate during lunch, that is a perfect recipe to spike your blood sugar level and stimulate the para-sympathetic nervous system, thus, causing us to be sluggish and 'crash' during the day. 

Foods to avoid for breakfast : 

- Grains, cereals and breads (especially wheat based foods)

- Rice

- Commercial milk products (grass fed raw milk is exception)

- High glycemic foods

- Processed foods, fast foods and 'fruit juices'

- Foods made of refined flour

- Commercial coffee (without any other foods eaten as a meal)

Foods to consider for breakfast :

- Avocado

- Organic free range eggs (if you do not develop food sensitivity to eggs)

- High fat coffee (in my previous post)

- Coconut oil

- Organic grass fed butter

Avoid 'crashing' during day time - Here's how to do it

- Consume a small meal during breakfast, avoid large carbs loaded meal. Ensure it has healthy fats, perhaps some clean protein and low glycemic carbs to supply a longer glucose to the brain. 

- Ensure your lunch meal is small or medium in portion. You do not want to stimulate your digestion too much to avoid going into 'relax and sleepy' mode. Ensure no high glycemic foods such as rice and gluten/grains based foods. 

- Try coconut oil during breakfast. MCT converted ketones will provide an awesome fuel for the brain. The brain works well, the body works optimally too. 

- Avoid drinking just coffee by its own without other foods in the morning. 

- Replace sugars with stevia, if you seriously need to add sweetness into your meal or beverage in the morning.

- Drink water adequately before and after breakfast. Ensure you drink enough water to regulate your appetite. 

- Go for a 5 mins walk around your building you if start to feel sleepy or sluggish. Ideally, get some fresh air and sun, do simple stretching and move around to ensure blood flow. 

- Avoid sugary drinks throughout the morning and lunch time. It will spike your blood sugar even worst. No exception for fruit juices and energy drinks. 

- Have some (but don't go nuts or overdose) raw macadamia, walnuts or almonds if you feel a little hungry at around 3-4pm. It will ensure your blood sugar level does not shoot up sky high and make you hypoglycemia after that. 

Whole foods - Nutritious gluten-free meals

No time to prepare meals? Don't know what to cook and eat? Well, today I will share some of the simple, yet time-efficient meals you can prepare at home which takes less then 30 mins. No cooking oil is needed, not much cooking skills are required, just plain whole foods concept and these meals are gluten-free. 

Why gluten-free is so important? Apart from causing all sorts of health problems from digestive to neurological and autoimmunity to skin problems, wheat based or grains containing gluten foods is arguably the worst foods for fat burning. Wheat based foods have the highest glycemic index (even higher then table sugar) and a recipe for diabetes, autoimmune disease, heart disease, cancer and of course obesity. 

Most people have lost the relationship with whole foods, and strayed further away from how our ancestors evolved to eat. Most of us are processed and fast foods addicts, suffering from severe cravings for sugars and carbs, as well as dependant of stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine on daily basis. Most of the people I met, complained about no time to prepare meals, too expensive to eat organic whole foods, and 'whole foods are not delicious' excuses. 

The question is, are these excuses genuinely valid? As I've shared in previous post on comparison between the cost of meals between organic whole foods and fast foods, eating god-made foods triumphed being cheaper meal. Too busy to prepare meals for yourself? All of you know better then me, it is just another lame excuse not allowing yourself a chance to eat clean and healthier. If you have few hours shopping in malls or cinema on weekends, you definitely have time to plan your groceries and prepare meals. Once you start preparing your own meals, not only you will develop a better relationship with real food, but also realizing fast/processed foods taste like 'plastic' and these foods make you feel bloated, sluggish and terrible. 

In a nutshell, it's all about mentality and attitude. Every decision you make in life initiated from the brain, it doesn't matter health, diet, foods, financial, weight management, and even relationships. Most people have been playing the 'finger pointing' game, but perhaps it is the attitude?  Blame the stressful job for poor sleep wake cycles or fatigue, or too many financial commitments and no money to eat whole foods? Remember, you are the one who made the decision to choose that high stress job from the huge load of financial commitments you need to pay monthly.  Financial worries is one of the biggest stressor in the body, people in the modern society are in 'survival' mode, rather then putting their 'core values' ahead of their jobs. 

Eat real foods, quit your stressful job, cut down unnecessary expenses and commitments, and start moving and living like how our primal ancestors did for countless generations. Life, is not just about being slaves to your boss, job, and even properties owned. If you want to feel happy and healthy all the time, the only way is hollistic ancestral approach. Pharmaceutical drugs nor medical insurance cannot build health nor heal the body from any illnesses. The greatest gift from god is health, maintain it or lose it. 

Meal 1: (10 mins preparation)

- 2 avocados (tons of healthy fats)
- 3 half boiled organic free range eggs
- 2 kiwis
- 2 tablespoons of grass-fed butter

Meal 2: (20-25 mins preparation)

- Half bowl or organic steam brocolli, steam organic sweet potatoes, couple slices of free-range liver

- 3 half boiled organic free range eggs

- organic lettuce and free range bacons

Meal 3: (15 mins preparation)

- 1 avocado

- Organic tomatoes, organic lettuce, steam organic brocolli and sweet potatoes (with grass-fed butter)

Lemon : First thing in the morning, drink it with water

Ever wonder what you should be eating when you wake up in the morning? How about a glass of milk? Or maybe a bowl of cereal? A sandwich with orange juice perhaps? A muffin or bread? I mean there are countless recommendations of breakfast meals what to eat in the morning by medias all over the place, including newspapers, fitness and nutrition magazines and radio channels too. Which one is ideal and which one is healthy? Of course some of the recommendations are just absurdly ridiculous (that is one of the reasons why so many of us are fat).  

Now, I'm not going to discuss about fat loss or weight gain in this topic, but I will explain why it is so important for having lemon with water when your butt is off the bed. Let's just ponder for a moment here. How many of you wakes up preparing your own breakfast? Let's be honest here. How many of you skip your breakfast? Best of all, how many of you, does daily detoxification in the morning before any foods or drinks pass your mouth and stomach? In my experience and encounters with people, it is about 1 in 50 people. Statistically, it is perhaps around 2% of people is aware of having regular detoxification in the morning before having actual breakfast (in my experience). Most people I know, especially the ones rushing off to work, will have a 'grab-and-go' foods or drinks for their breakfast. There is totally no connection and concern at all between the foods, drinks and body, right at that moment. Most of these people, are often not aware of how these foods impact their digestion, assimiliation, elimination, and metabolism, energy levels and of course tons other important stuff such as stress levels and blood sugars. 

Before I discuss why lemon water is important in the morning, let me list down the most common foods or drinks people consume for breakfast.

1) Coffee

2) Cereals

3) Breads / Sandwiches

3) Nasi Lemak (Malaysians)

4) Fried Noodles (Malaysians)

5) Pizza

6) Doughnuts

7) Fast foods breakfast meals

8) Waffles

9) Pancakes

10) Eggs

11) Dim Sum (Hong Kong & Malaysians)

12) Roti Canai, Chapati, Thosai (Malaysians)

13) Commercial pasteurized milk

As you noticed, most of the foods above is acidic, especially coffee and fast foods. In fact there are alot of highly acidic foods which are commonly consumed by most of us. Those highly acidic foods are generally tasty and addictive primarily coated with sugars. 

We have to start change the way we think about breakfast or how to start off with what to consume in the morning. Stop thinking only about getting your belly full and fulfil those cravings and hunger in the morning. Most people just drive through (fast foods restaurants) or eat anything they like or think it is 'healthy' when they are awake or before heading to work in the morning. We have to start think about flushing off the acids in our body accumulated at night or the day before. Setting up an alkaline base for our digestive system is very important before introducing any acidic foods. Foods such as lemon or lime will be an ideal choice. 

Apart from consuming fat gaining acidic foods in the morning (most people), let's glance through why lemon water is so beneficial first thing in the morning. 

Benefit #1

Check this out. When you sleep at night, the first 4 hours of the sleep cycle, your body is pulling acids out from your joints and store them in the holding tank behind the heart chamber. It is part of the repair process by the body during the circadian rhythm  cycle (if you sleep by 10 or before 11pm). When you squeeze a fresh lemon into a filtered clean water (room temperature), an 8 oz lemon water will flush the digestive systems from the stomach to the large intestines. 16 oz of lemon water will wakes up every organ in the body and kicks start your metabolism. Even better, if you add fresh lemon into warm water, it will flush out the lymphatic systems as well. So, the acids kept in the holding tank behind the heart, it will all be flushed out when the bowel movement happens in the morning after your lemon water introduction. Remember, it MUST be only freshly squeezed, not from bottled lemon drinks. Meanwhile, you can add either half or one full lemon into water, it depends on how well you can handle it. Especially for coffee addicts, do this before you hit your first cup of pesticides loaded acidic coffee. 

Benefit #2

Help aid digestion and flush off toxins. Digestive properties in lemon helps relive symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and also bloating. Anyone with constipation or poor bowel movement, it will help with fresh lemon water first thing in the morning. 

Benefit #3

It triggers liver to produce bile, getting ready to help fats digestion during day time and especially if you are eating a breakfast which contains significant amount of fats. By the way, for whoever had your gallbladder removed, your body just lose the ability to produce bile, which is so critical to digest fats. 

Benefit #4

Vitamin C in lemons will boost your immune system and act as anti-oxidant too. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and saponins found in lemons could help in preventing flu and cold. Apart from that, it also cuts the phlegm and reduces the amount produced, thus easing recovery. 

Benefit #5

Apart from being one of the most alkalizing foods on the planet, it helps to regulates the body's pH level. Not only it helps to alkalize the blood and remove acids and toxins, it reduces the risk of acidic-based diseases such as cancer.

Benefit #6

Vitamin C in lemons also helps with skin condition such as reducing wrinkles and provide a clearer skin. Reasons? Anti-oxidant in lemons fights off free radical damage while it's alkaline base may kill some of the bacteria which causes acne or other skin conditions. 

Benefit #7

With a cleansed digestive system and removal of toxins and unwanted waste product from the body, your body energy levels will increase. Everyone wants more energy daily, don't you? Most people look like a walking zombie by the end of the working day. Most people look like their adrenals are fried and they could hardly expand any more calories or do any physical movement (exercise) by the end of the day. A stressful lifestyle and poor diet lead to an acidic body and exhausted adrenals resulting in low energy levels and poor vitality. Perhaps lemon water may help? 

Benefit #8

Can't live without caffeine? If you are a coffee addict, this will really help. Try drink 16 oz of fresh lemon warm water in the morning, and you may notice your craving for caffeine reduces tremendously. Try it starting tomorrow, see yourself if it works. 

Benefit #9

Want to lose weight? Ensure you drink 500 ml of fresh lemon warm water first thing in the morning. The pectin fiber in lemons will help reduce hunger, thus helping you to eat less. With a cleansed digestive and detoxification systems, weight lost may well be improved by the first thing you do for your own body in the morning, fresh lemon water. 

Of course there are other benefits of lemon water and lime could also be used as substitute. My recommendation is half or one full lemon squeezed into 8/16 oz of water, with a pinch of rock or sea salt. Then, ensure your bowel movement is done in the morning before your breakfast meal is introduced to your body. But, if you are having constipation regularly, there is something seriously wrong with your gut and you would want to either consult a naturopathic doctor or clinical nutritionist. 

Table salt : The link to autoimmune disease?

Do you often have cravings for salt or salty foods? Do you know what is in table salt? Could it be your body telling you something is wrong if you have regular cravings for salt? I remember when I was a young boy, I had insane cravings for salt or salty foods. I would eat it like there is no tomorrow. I ate tons of junk foods which consist high amount of table salt. Back in my teenage years, I was skinny and malnutrition. My parents did not know what to do nor get me to eat healthier. 

Fast forward to present day, thank god I know much more about health and nutrition and how the body function physiologically. Whenever I have slight craving for salt, I know instantly what my body is telling me, giving me signs of what is happening and what I should be aware of. Rarely I have salt cravings, but for any of you who might be often cravings for salt or salty foods, you may proceed to read below information. 

Not too long ago, there are 3 new studies which linked table salt with autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disorders have become more prevalent and more people are suffering from this medical complication. Personally, I have met quite a number of people who developed autoimmune disease in my country, the place where I stay. 

Now, most people thought salt is just salt. Just like a commercial apple is the same with organically grown apple right? Of course not. Most of us eat outside, restaurants, hawkers foods, fast foods and even so called 'home cooked foods' restaurants. Do you know easily more then 98% of these food outlets are using table salt? Furthermore, the beverage products you drink at restaurants such as soft drinks and fresh fruit juices, actually contains high amount of table salt. Apart from that, the food products we purchase from the supermarkets and convenient stores are loaded with table salt too. 

Why Do I crave for salt or salty foods?
- Body deficient or depleted of trace minerals
- Adrenals disorders


Types of salt to avoid:
- Table salt
- Iodized salt


Type of salt to consume:
- Himalayan Pink Salt
- Rock Salt
- Celtic Sea Salt


Hidden facts & dangers of table salt consumption:

Table salt consist of sodium and chloride, basically only 2 minerals instead of more then 80 minerals found in most rock or sea salt products. It is known that approximately 97.5% to 98% of the table salt contains sodium chloride. The rest of the ingredients contain anti caking agents and other chemicals. Then it has to go through a high temperature heating process of 1200 degrees, and that altered the chemical structure of the salt, which in turn, not able to recognize by the human body. Thus, the body identify table salt as 'foreign substance'. In terms of food, table salt is useless. It requires a whole lot of energy by the human body to break down and metabolize the crystals of the salt. It upset the body's fluid systems and impair the elimination pathways as well. Check this out. For every gram of sodium chloride your body unable to get rid of, your body uses up to 23 times the amount of cell water to neutralize it. 

Benefits of high quality natural occuring salt:
- Alkalise the body
- Stimulate body's detoxification system
- Help in weight lost
- Prevent minerals imbalances & depletion
- One of the most healing foods on the planet
- External application on skin - Improve skin condition and also help improve skin disorders
- Reduce blood pressure (contains half less sodium then table salt)
- Help regulate melatonin and seratonin levels at night for better sleep quality, also helps on depression. (consume with water at night)
- Support respiratory systems
- Prevent muscle spasms
- Builds strong bones
- Good for the teeth, helps re-mineralize and aid healing process

Journals: 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467095
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467089
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23467085

Gluten Ataxia : Commonly misdiagnosed autoimmune-mediated disorder

Recently, while I was reading some of the medical journals which relates to autoimmune disease and gluten, I came across a couple of very interesting articles about a autoimmune disorder called Gluten Ataxia. I'm not an expert of this field nor this condition, but I will share what I found out and some of the important information which more people should be aware of, especially gluten.

Almost everyone is addicted to gluten and wheat, and some even thought that this is 'staff of life'. The western can't live without wheat-based foods and gluten has wreaked havoc in their health and majority of people are not aware of the damage caused by gluten. Gluten ataxia, is one of the more commonly misdiagnosed condition/symptom by most doctors. According to one of the studies published, gluten ataxia is an immune-mediated disease triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It is a common manifestation of sensitivity to gluten.

As I've read through a few published journals from two different universities, below are my 'in-a-nutshell' summary and explanation for this gluten related disorders. Whoever are suffering from below symptoms and your doctors are unable to help you, you may find below information helpful, in some ways. Good luck.

Symptoms of gluten ataxia : 

- Loss of balance, coordination, slurring of speech, tendency to fall, double vision, body inability to control muscular coordination. All these symptoms could be intermittent occurrence, depending on the severity of the condition. 

Who is in risk of developing gluten ataxia?
Ataxia can be caused by genetics, multiple system atrophy, excessive alcohol intake and gluten sensitivity. People with genetic markers of DQ1, DQ2 ad DQ8 are seen in ataxia patients.

What to avoid in diet? 

Definitely gluten, one of the most evil food substance on the planet. Going on gluten free diet (be careful on high carbs consumption) may help on ataxia patients. Especially if the patient is disgnosed with Celiac disease, it is highly recommended to go on gluten free diet (ideally low to moderate carbs intake). Patients with DQ1 genes can benefit from gluten free diet. 

What tests to should I do for accurate diagnosis?

- Full battery of serological tests

- To first diagnose if the patient develop Celiac disease

- HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) type to be tested

- Antibodies profile (Anti GAD, TG6, TG2, anti-gliadin, endomysial)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18787912

Journals:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18787912
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12566288
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23860139
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23576621